Radiotherapy and Meningioma

European Association of NeuroOncology Magazine 2013; 3 (3): 122-127

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Keywords: fractionated radiotherapy,  meningioma,  radiosurgery,  radiotherapy

Although meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour no strict consensus exists on the exact role of radiotherapy due to the lack of controlled phase-III studies. In completely resected grade-I tumours, radiotherapy is usually deferred until possible recurrence. For grade-II–III tumours, the issue is more controversial and radiotherapy is occasionally applied already in the primary setting. The development in radiotherapy, including fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy as well as radiosurgery and irradiation with protons and carbon ions, has given new possibilities to deliver irradiation with reduced effects on the unaffected brain. However, well-performed randomised studies are still warranted, evaluating both efficacy and aspects of short- and long-term quality of life for patients before the real value of radiotherapy can be determined.